Hi, denied first time (no surprise) and now they want more infor for the appeal. Weirdly enough it is the daily living questions again. I am actually regressing right now so my answers will be worse than originally. Don't know if that is a flag for them or not. Just tired of dealing with them. I have 60 days to reappeal to LTD as they just flat out said I could have gone back to work a month after my last tbi even though all the docs say I am totally unable to work a job that cannot be done based on hours I am able to function, get out of the bed, or have to learn new skills. (Short term memory problems, cognitive function problems, severe neurofatigue, chronic pain). They say I am too young (37) and if I moved that there are thousands of jobs in the US I could do. Not sure what they are referring to as the docs says no way, and I could not move anyway, I am doing good to find my way around my small town as it is. I have sleep apnea, thyroid disease, chronic pain, multiple concussion syndrome, major depression, anxiety, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, IQ loss of 30 points, short term memory problems, cognitive issues, mood disorder due to most recent brain injury, disc problems, ADD, must use a cane when I have a flare up, heart arrythmia, sleep issues, chronic headaches, muscle spasms, brain fog, neurofatigue and so on. It is so frustrating to not have income but have huge bills!!!! I am finally going to apply for food stamps, but don't know how. It takes me so long to get moving and find help that I get exhausted and must go back to bed. Anyone "young" that got disability? I seem to constantly be hitting walls, and have handed it over to God b/c my bumped up brain just cannot handle this. Oh, and I am a single parent that is being threatened by ex to take son if I ask him for more child support even though he makes a LOT of money and has paid off all his toys and things and provides only what we agreed on over 8 years ago. So I am selling off everything I can on **** just to keep my son clothed and fed.
MimGregg

mimgregg,

Since you appear to be overwhelmed, I strongly suggest that you hire an attorny to handle your Reconsideration and/or the rest of your case.
If you do, just make sure the attorney is one that ONLY handles Social Security Cases. Check your local Yellow Pages for one.
The initial consultation is FREE. The fee after that is capped up to $5300? which comes off the top of your check if you win your case.
I am finally going to apply for food stamps, but don't know how.
You can apply at your local Welfare Office/Social Service Agency. Check the White Pages of your phone book under Government Agencies or look them up on the internet using Google. Keyword: food stamps. Check for your state/city.
Some cities you can apply right online and/or over the phone.
being threatened by ex to take son if I ask him for more child support
If your ex did this over the phone, I would start tape recording the conversations. Judges do not take too kindly to threats. :eek:
You need to take him to court ASAP to file for an increase in child support. You have an excellent case since you have not had an increase in 8 years plus he has made threats (you need to make a recording as proof).
There are attorneys in Family Court who will handle cases like yours & will charge your ex to pay their atty fees!!! :D

Good luck! :angel:

Thank you! I now feel like I have a direction to go through!
MimGregg

Hi Mimgregg: What Mz Migraine pointed out to you was excellant advice. I just wanted to add, that from the sounds of your post, you seemed more than over whelmed and need the help of an attorney. Check around, if you know someone who is currently on SSD talk to them and try to find an attorney the handles only (or mostly) Social Security/Workmans Comp. cases and talk to them about handling yours.

When I applied over three years ago, I got a couple names from an old classmate of mine, who is now a local attorney. One of things he stressed was, if they advertise on TV, stay clear. They are probably what is referred to as "ambulance chasers" to use a generic phrase. I called one of the names he gave me and was told, to take care of the intial foot work myself and if I am denied, call back and they would help. They said there is nothing in the intial phase that I couldn't do myself, and save money by doing it. I think this is an example of what I was talking about earlier. An attorney who is after the buck, would have taken the case right away, and you end up paying for his services, even though there is a cap set by the courts.

Good luck to you, and I hope things turn around for you. When you find out you've been approved for SSD, it's a good feeling. I was approved on the intial application. I'm convinced of two things. The way your doctor(s) fills out the paper work that SS will send him makes a big difference. The second point, is your age. I think the older you are, the better your chance of be approved.

hello,
I would like to pigyback on the others. Im 33 and I just got approved in Nov. It took me 11 month. I first app. in jan. I was denied once this time and I did reconsideration by myself and then I hired a lawyer and I never had to go to court. She handlded everything. I have a form of muscular dystrophy along with chronic obstructive sleep apnea. Just make sure you tell them everything, about every pain you have, and how long it takes you to do anything. And let them know it take you(your energy) away from your son. And yes get food stamps and everything else you can get from social services and they can take app. over the phone. I should have my first check just in time for Christmas--Thank God because its been a long year!

Good Luck!:)

Hi!
I'm 37 and was finally approved in early 2006 after over two years of trying to get SSD. I went through 2 denials and then a hearing but was finally approved! I know this is a very difficult situation for you and I think the best thing would be to hire an attorney that deals specifically with SSD claims. You will still have to fill out a lot of paper work, but they can help you with it and will take care of a lot of the things that need to be done, as well as represent you if you go to a hearing.

A couple of things that may benefit you are a FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) and a VE (Vocational Evaluation). The FCE is to see how much you can lift, carry, all the physical things required to work. The VE is conducted by a Vocational Expert and will show what type of work, if any you would be able to do. Once you hire an attorney, you might want to discuss both of these with them. For me, they were pivital in being approved.

I wish you the best of luck and hope that things work out for you soon. :angel: